Leve Project

lā ･ vā (v) creole word meaning to raise/to lift up/grow

Click HERE

to learn more about the Leve Project and the change they are going to make through God in the lives of the people of Haiti. I am excited to see all they will do! (:

Restavecs: Haiti's Hidden Slave Children

This is a paper I just finished writing for my college geography class about the Restavek system in Haiti. Within me I know that this story must be told for those kids in Haiti suffering right now. I know it is long, but please read, and please share.

In Port-au-Prince, Haiti, a month after the devastating earthquake that shook the nation even lower to its knees, Melila Thelusma is living in a tent with her two daughters of eleven and six years of age. Melila is desperate for basic necessities to live as the rainy season has begun to beat down on the tent that houses her and her daughters. This woman is so helpless that she is willing to give her daughters away to make sure that they not only survive, but receive a promising future. Even in the most heinous time of her life, however, she would give her daughters to a foreigner before giving them to a wealthier Haitian within the country. “Not a Haitian family. Haitians will make them suffer. They … force the child to work like an animal. They don't really care for them,” Melila states (Loney, par. 1). What this woman was referring to is Haiti's restavec system. Melila realizes that even though there is a common belief that the restavec system is for the benefit of Haiti's children, this system is child slavery and ultimately for the sake of the “hosts” or masters.The word restavec comes from the Haitian Creole word restavek, meaning “one who stays with” (Restavec, par. 4). When a parent chooses to give a child away, in most cases because of the lack of ability to provide for them, the child will go live with a family, most likely never to see his or her birth family again. With that single decision by the parent, the child then becomes a part of the restavec system. The new family, or host family will treat the restavec child as a domestic slave. Weighted upon the heavy load of chores, these children are often abused verbally, physically, or sexually -- if not all of the above (Restavec, par. 5).

A restavec's day begins before the sun rises and ends after the sunset hits the ground. A long listof chores are to be done each day in unhealthy environments. At least one in ten children in Haiti are restavecs, doing domestic chores all day without money, scarcely receiving food, and then retreating to the floor to sleep. Household tasks are to be done such as cleaning the house, fetching water (far heavier than any adult would be comfortable carrying), and serving to every member of the host family. Restavecs are also required to serve children who are younger than themselves, and refer to them as madam and monsieur. Many of the wives and mothers in the host families have raved about how useful restavecs are in their homes, as if talking about a new kitchen appliance, because restavec children complete the most work around the house (Restavec: Slavery, par. 9).

Not all children leave their families to live with wealthier ones. Many poorer families take in restavecs because they cannot afford to hire and pay a house maker of an adult age. In these situations, the restavec child is fed less, is living in poorer conditions, and the work load is multiplied. Not only does the amount of work increase, but abuse of all kinds are more frequent and more painful. While wounded and scarred, the restavec child, working and sleeping in even worse conditions that the hosts already are, is more prone to infection and disease.

Restavecs who are told to walk the host family's children to school, are to walk straight back to the home, as many restavec children do not receive an education. Even if a restavec child is attending school, it is usually to a school of low standards and quality, and they are usually too old for their grade level. In the end, restavecs don't usually graduate, because an education is not permitted to become the main focus of their lives. Instead, their list of chores and beatings take up most of their time and thoughts during the day. They are not given a fair opportunity to succeed (Restavec, par. 8).

Why does this pattern of children loosing their childhood to a life of abuse continue?Unfortunately, many excuses have been fabricated. One reason is the idea that this is Haitian culture (Restavec: Slavery, par. 8). It is Haitian culture for parents to send their children to other extended relatives living far away. It is a common practice for housing to be shared among extended family.

However, what a lot of parents fail to conclude before they send their sons and daughters away is the possible danger the children might be placed in, even just by living with other family members. The beatings, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse is not and should not be Haitian culture. Another justification as to why the restavec system lives on is because authorities do not intervene. Restavec children are seen as property, not laboring children; therefore, even adults aware of the situation refuse to assist the abused child (Haitian Kids, par. 5). Restavecs choose not to attempt at running away from their hosts in fear of being beaten and abused, demonstrating yet another parallel to slavery.

Restavec children not only lose their freedom of living as other kids around them do, but they also lose any chance at an exceptional future. Restavecs grow up being told that they are not allowed to display any “emotions without fear or reprisal” (Haitian Kids, par. 6). They live their early years with no voice of their own, believing that their opinions are equal to those of an animal that sleeps on the same floor on which they sleep. Hosts allowing restavecs to eat at the table is unheard of. One restavec child, as he sang along for his host family's birthdays, was lead to believe that restavecs have no birthday and he had no concept of how old he was (Haiti 'Restavec,' par. 19). Usually at the age of fifteen, hosts will decide that they are done with “their” restavec and, if the child is lucky, release the restavec child out onto the streets to fend for themselves. In other cases, however, the child could be raped or killed when their work is no longer wanted. With no education, and probably suffering from numerous physical and emotional disorders, the child is left to search through years of abuse and heart ache for his or her future.

It should be said that not all children in Haiti who are sent by parents to live with a more fortunate family are abused. The term restavek is used for the abused child. However, timoun ki rete kay moun is Haitian Creole for “child who stays in a person's house,” referring to those children who are not abused by host families (Restavec, par. 4). There are families in Haiti who simply feel a call to help a child in need. In these environments, the host family focuses on the child and the child's well-being (Restavec: Slavery, par 9). This is how the system is supposed to work. Ideally, a parent who cannot take care of his or her child because of lack of money or resources sends the child to a family who can provide him or her with nourishing food, an education, and a safe, clean place to sleep. However, the restavec system now resembles slavery and not an opportunity for a more promising life ahead.

The many hosts who do not abuse their restavec children do not out number, nor excuse those who do. One restavec girl explains that one day when she broke the heel on her shoe, her hosts beat her with their sandals. Accompanying the beating, the hosts singed her chest and arms with with broken electrical wire, scarring her so that she “would remember” (Haiti's Forgotten, par 9). One restavec professed that she was told to stand on her knees upon a bed of rocks with a heavy rock in her hands high above her head. A thirteen year old girl shared that she was covered in hairspray and then lit on fire after being sexually assaulted. To say that the restavec system is helpful to the children of Haiti is as plausible as encouraging the abuse of young children, usually girls under the age of nine years old (Haiti's Forgotten, par. 10).

Haiti is a nation that was founded upon a successful slavery rebellion. Heartrendingly, out of the eight million residents in Haiti, three hundred thousand of them are children in the restavec system today (Haiti's Forgotten, par. 1). Because of the lack of resources and poverty, there are not abundant opportunities for Haiti to rid itself of the restavec system. It has been recognized that as the poverty rises, so does the child slavery. The recent imprisonment of ten American missionaries because of their attempt to bring thirty-three Haiti children over the border to the Dominican Republic reenforces this observation. Although awareness of the restavec system has risen during the past decade, children are still being treated as slaves, just like their ancestors. This way of life is harming children to an unfathomable degree, severing families, and only pleasing and fueling the host's hearts of hatred. Being abused, uneducated, and thieved of their well-deserved childhood is a life no child should have to experienced; however, this is the life which a myriad of Haiti's children live everyday.

(photos from angela fairfield)

Go to the Restavek Foundation's website to see how you can donate your treasure and time to the restavec children of Haiti.

"Captivating"

For a while now a bunch of girls from church and I have been going through "Captivating" by Stasi and John Eldregde ~ I'm sure a lot of you have heard of it. I loved it from its first words. It was love at first sight.

This art of a book unveils perfectly a woman's heart by bringing us back to when we were little girls with precious dreams and special desires. There is something within us that has been there all a long, something that is the reason why we do everything we do, something that makes us who we are. "She longs to be swept up into a romance, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to be the beauty to be unveiled. These are the secrets to the feminine heart." ~ Stasi

In this book, not only is the feminine heart unveiled as women see and feel, but as God has seen it from the beginning: as the "crown of creation," as the Stasi puts it. I know that personally, I hardly feel like I could be the crown of anything! But as this book unfolds, we see that feeling this way, as many women do, is from attacks of Satan. In scripture, in truth, we are told that woman was the last to be created. This is not because females are the least of these, but because this world was not fit, not complete without us. We are all made in God's image, women exhibiting to the world the parts of God which only women can, completing those features of God which are displayed by only men.

Anyway, I could go on and on about the lovely, comforting, and nurturing truths on these pages, but I want YOU to read it. I recommend it wholeheartedly for any female that can read. In fact, I'd even suggest men read it, for the sake of their sanity with women (which I'm sure they lose every now and then). I know I want to read the book John Eldredge wrote for males, Wild at Heart. It's grand seeing how wonderfully designed we all are to complete each other fully.

Dear Feminine Hearts, this is a book that your soul needs to one degree or another. You should read it, I have no doubt that you'll love it. It has changed my life, and continues to. Yes, I'm aware that sounds corny, but there's no other way to put it. I'm sure many of my future posts will come from lessons I receive from this book.

Your sister.

For the Saved and the Inked

I would like to take this time to say...

That I think it would be cool to get my nose pierced someday, and I'd like my hair to have a tint of red in it. I am a believer in alternative/rock music. And I have nothing against tattoos, especially ones which hold meaning to its owner.

(That's not all I'm about. I also love dresses, red lipstick, high heels, and I put a flower in my hair any chance I can get. )

In addition, I am a supporter and reader of the Bible, worship music, and following Jesus to the ends of the Earth. My Savior won't love me any less if I want a stud on the side of my nose. And just so you know, I rock out for Jesus everyday -- it's quite a show, I'm sure.

So, I extend a thank you, to all of you who can be "cool" and edgy and remain godly -- not the godly that the "church" society has created.

I would like to point out that I am not against people who dislike tattoos, nose rings, and things of that nature. This is nothing against you. I am simply giving credit to the fact that there are those who can maintain honorable faith and still favor such things.

Washing the Feets (:

On Friday, I met up with my youth group for a staytreat (a retreat for a group on a budget). It was splendid, and I'm glad we didn't retreat to any where. I liked staying in "our home." We played games, ate food, bonded, and there were water balloons involved. Also, we talked about the legacy we could/will leave after we leave ourselves. We can leave this legacy simply by living fully for Jesus. Fully, desiring to please only, only Him. By doing this, we're also living for each other, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

After talking about leaving this legacy and read in the Word of when Jesus washed His disciple's feet, we were asked who wanted to be a servant in the same way Jesus was, if we wanted to wash someone's feet out of love. Everyone in the room stood. We found a partner, after praying that the Lord would lead us to whom He wanted us to cleanse. Honestly, at first I didn't think much of it. I thought it was wonderful that we were following Jesus' actions. But as I sat down in a chair with a basin of water next to my feet... as my friend Katie prayed over me, I began to cry. I still don't fully understand why.

I can only certainly say two things: 1) Having your feet washed by someone in the name of Jesus, out of love is the most humbling experience. 2) I praised God for the opportunity to clean someone's feet. I wanted to clean feet. I wanted to be on my knees, serving. I felt selfish, but I wanted to give someone clean feet. I wanted to clean someone with love as Jesus did. I suddenly loved every single one of those kids in the room, and I wanted to show them how much they meant to me.

Maybe it was because we had spent a whole weekend together. Maybe it was because God was in that place. I believe it was both that brought us together -- as a group, as a family, brothers and sisters in Christ.

"Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love." (John 13:1) "He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." (John 13:5)

(photos from weheartit.com)

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring is indeed my favorite month. It's bright, warm, embracive, and rain continues to cleanse the Earth. Life springs during this season! In elementary school, I loved when my teachers would talk about mama animals giving birth to their new sweet babies. Spring is new. It's alive. It's a beginning.

Jesus sprung during this season, too. He cleansed us clean, brought new life, and now we can forever bask the light of salvation.

Today was the first day of beloved spring, making me a very happy girl. I will be praising God for this lovely season of newness, life, and redemption.

Home Sick

When most people think of Haiti, they picture something like the photo below. Troubled, scared, worried, about to break.

I am not, in any way, down-playing the pain Haitians go through on a daily basis, because it is an earthly hell. I know that woman pictured above what hurting when I took her picture. She was holding in tears. But I also know that she has a strength that is seldom found here. I can only wonder what was causing pain in her heart. However, when I think of Haiti, I think of something more like this:

Alive Vibrant Love Lively Strength Warmth Laughter Noise Faith Hope Song Happiness

I think of my GOD. I have never seen Him so evident than in Haiti. I think of my Bible; the Word of God alive under that bright sun. I think of worship that fills the air, voices ringing between broken cement, barbed wired walls and mounds of burning trash. God is pleased with the hard working, always faithful servant He has there, I'm sure of it. I am aching to live among them again... I am home sick.

Jumping

I've been living on the edge the last several days. No, I haven't been living with a daring nor fearless demeanor. I have been walked up a mountain by mostly silly little tasks causing stress, but also by large elements that fabricate my life right now, which are pressing on my heart mercilessly. I had no idea I was being lead up this mountain until my feet felt its edge. Until I heard the gravel of its mighty sides break off the cliff and fall to the depths below.

This is where I have been.

It's terrifying. I hated feeling like I needed to distract myself to be happy. I hated worrying and getting nothing accomplished. I hated not feeling like me.

But now I know... A hand has been extended. An invitation has been given. And I don't have to jump alone. I took it! I took the hand. I took the invitation.

I jumped.

I'm free of the edge! The fall feels exhilarating. Now that I'm no longer in this scared state, it's easier to search for joy; I can reach out to others more easily. I know that the fall will be frightening at times. But I'd rather be falling than forgetting. I'm jumping for what I'm passionate about, and if this is what I need to do, I'll do it. Now I'm free. That's what it is... I'm free.

(photo from weheartit.com)

A dear friend of mine...

...isn't doing too well right now. I fear she may not have many days left with me... We have been friends for a long time now, you see. We met on December 25, 2008 and have been inseparable ever since. We went for long walks, and I took her to all of the important occasions. She has been with me during every memorable moment since our friendship began...

I have been informed that my friend has an Error 99. After lengthy research, I have come to find that many others have friends who receive such a diagnosis. Error 99, I am told, may have to do with lenses, battery, or memory card -- basically a general notification that there is something wrong. (Like I couldn't have figured THAT one out on my own.)

Her shutter speed is nice and fast, but she can't take a picture. I am extremely worried.. I'm going to look up local store that I can bring my friend into.

I feel I'm not living as I should without her coming along and capturing my life. I'm praying for her.. and for my sanity..

Life Song Journal: The Intro

Welcome to the Life Song Journal! Since the beginning, life has been a song. You write it, you sing it, you live it. This is where my verses are written down, co-written by my lovely Jesus -- whom I love to harmonize with. I like to sing about a lot of things: my Savior (being my favorite), the home I have in Haiti, whatever is pressing on my heart, and for those who can't sing for themselves.

This isn't my song alone. We are called to come together as a community, as a body, as a bride, as a choir. Your voice is not only welcomed but fully desired here at the Life Song Journal. So, please, sing along. (:

I would like to thank Nikki and Blogs for a Cause for helping me beautify this blog (for the second time)! Two years ago on January 2, 2008, Nikki designed my blog (header below), saving me from the plain orange page that I had for a year before that, titled "Lizzie's Blog."

I pray that this is a song you will enjoy, as I know I will. I find that when I write on this blog, it brings me an abnormal sense of happiness and peace with the Lord. For the last three years, this has been, and still is, a huge gift and blessing from God in my life. I'm hoping that it could be the tiniest bit a spirit-lifter for you as well.

Psalm 95:2 ~ "Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song."

Teaser

A new layout has been formated.

A new header has been planned.

A completely new theme has been sketched up.

A lovely new title has been created.

This blog will be changing in a matter of DAYS. Be sure to 'tune' in.

Mighty big stuff, my friends... mighty big stuff... (:

Newness..

Things are changing. Things are new. Not big things, but things. Most of these things are not extremely currently new, but new since the last time I wrote about the happenings of this song that is my life.

Because of these new things, I feel a desire to scribe here more regularly. I was contemplating daily updates.. but it's hard to believe that I'll be able to pull that off. Plus, not many people read (that I know of) Between Sundays.

We'll start with weekly posts, ok? Now seems like a good time to start.

My worship leading is going well. I feel like I'm serving weekly and it feels like another piece of my heart has been put into place. I'm growing in this leadership position. I can feel it. And for some reason they keep letting me take the mic. (:

I'm in college now, for those who didn't already know. This is my second semester. I love it. It's a wonderful feature of being homeschooled. Skipping [most] of high school is grand. My english class is enjoyable and easy for this lover of writing and literature. I just took my first test in geography and I'll let you all know how I'm liking that class after I get my grade back.

My best friend turned seventeen yesterday. No longer sixteen. He's old. (: He saw Josh Turner with his brother and ate a donut-hamburger (which, I heard was delicious). It was a good day for him.

I'm missing Haiti. A lot. The piece of my heart that lives there is calling for me. On wednesday I clean the house to raise money for traveling. I'm praying, praying, praying..

I'm reading a Karen Kingsbury book again. It's bringing me bliss to a splendid degree. Her books always brighten my day and, in a mysterious way, keeps my heart on the Lord. Shades of Blue, is the book's title. Maybe you should read it.

Megan's here. (: It's freaking cool. She's good roommate. Next week is my spring break from college, and we're going to have fun.

A new blog title is needed. I want some changes for the place of thoughts. If you have ideas, I'd love to hear 'em! (: I'll be thinking of titles while procrastinating, because that's what I do. procrastinate.

How was that? Boring? Fun? It'll get better, I promise. This is just the beginning... I'm stoked.

It's Easy to Believe...

...that after a month...

The tears would stop falling...

The pain would be healed...

The wounds be cleansed...

Lives would be restored...

...that after seven weeks...

It would all fade to a memory...

My arms would stop aching for yours...

A day would pass without reliving it...

You would loosen your hold on my heart...

...that after fifty-two days...

I could live a moment without wondering...

Realization would break through...

Something would finally make sense...

I could sing about it with you...

No.

This is still your pain,

That runs deep throughout.

Your strength challenges my own,

And in whispers asks me what I am made of.